Jean Phalen, 90, of Dubuque, passed away October 10, 2026.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:45a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 4300 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dodgeville.

Jean was born on April 21, 1936, to Leonard and Gertrude (Zander) Dunbar in Dodgeville, WI.

She graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1954.

She was united in marriage to Patrick Phalen on November 23, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dodgeville. He preceded her in death on October 25, 1992.

Jean raised five children and worked for two decades in the attendance office at Wahlert High School. Never one to sit at home, she spent over 20 years of her “retirement” working at Shamrock Imports, while also volunteering at the Dubuque Arboretum, Bell Tower Theater, and other community organizations. She was actively involved in the Catholic Daughters organization and Mothers Club.

In her free time, Jean enjoyed shopping at various stores around town, where her quiet disposition and welcoming smile helped her make friends with everyone. She also enjoyed traveling and especially cherished her many trips to Ireland.

Jean is survived by her children, Ann (Jaime) Schulz of St. Louis, Missouri, Dave (Mitzi) Phalen of Maryland, Dan Phalen of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mark (Melissa) Phalen of Dubuque; grandchildren Dawn Phalen, Aaron (Lauren) Schulz, Caitlin (Seth) Fillioe, Margaret Phalen, Ginny Phalen, Maren Phalen, Mollie Phalen, and Miah Phalen. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren: Marley, Aria, and Cora Schulz, and Colin and Thea Fillioe. She is also survived by a sister, Darlene (Mel) Quinn and sister-in-law, Margaret Dunbar.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; son, Michael Phalen; and brother, Donald Dunbar.

Jean’s family would like to specially thank Resurrection Church, which warmly embraced her for over 50 years and continued to come to her when her physical condition made it impossible for her to go to them; the staff and residents of Ennoble Nursing and Rehabilitation, who provided her with loving care and companionship in her final months; and Hospice of Dubuque, who helped ease her transition from this life to the next.

Memorials may be given to Resurrection Catholic Church.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory are entrusted with arrangements.